IRC Toolkit

Table of contents

Introduction
Checklists/Guidelines

1. International Protocols
   
2. Conferences and Workshops
   
3. Cooperation Agreements
   
4. Accreditation of International Library Schools
   
5. Translation of ALA Publications
   
6. Book Donations
   
7. Funding
   
8. Disaster Relief
   

Introduction

The Mission of the International Relations Committee is:

To have full responsibility for the Association's international relations programs and initiatives; …to recommend international relations policy for Council approval and to take the necessary steps for implementation; … to maintain communication, when appropriate, with other library and information service organizations concerned with international relations; to represent the Association's view to organizations and agencies outside the ALA that are concerned with international relations of libraries; to encourage active participation by US librarians in the work of international organizations.

During 2001, the ALA International Relations Committee and its Subcommittee on Latin America and the Caribbean held various discussions about Cuba at the request of ALA members and others. These discussions have concerned ALA's relationship with the libraries and librarians of Cuba, access to information by the Cuban people via their libraries and through other sources, the U.S. and Cuban governments' roles in providing and inhibiting access to information by the American and Cuban people, and how the ALA could best use its resources to strengthen the role of libraries in Cuba and further the library profession.

ALA President, John Berry and ASCUBI President, Marta Terry Gonzalez signed a Protocol of Cooperation prepared by the IRC at the IFLA Conference in Boston this past August.

Seventy librarians from the US and China gathered in Flushing, New York (Queens Library) and at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC on August 11-16 for their Second China/U.S. Conference on libraries. Following are the recommendations from the conference:

1. Publish papers on the Internet so they will be available to the larger community;
   
2. Continue this successful series of conferences;
   
3. Organize a third conference in China no later than 5 years from now;
   
4. Establish a bilateral working group between ALA and the China Society of Library Science to continue to advance cooperation between China and the U.S;
   
5. Develop collaborative research project between colleagues in China and the U.S.;
   
6. Develop a course in international librarianship with emphasis on China and the U.S.

The American Library Association (ALA) organized a three-day regional workshop "Strengthening Library Associations in the South Caucasus: A Regional Workshop", which was held in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 5-8, 2001 in cooperation with the Armenian Library Association, the Azerbaijan Library Development Association, and the Association of Information Specialists (Georgia).

The workshop encouraged and facilitated the continuing cooperative efforts among the library associations in the South Caucasus region at this critical early stage of development. The workshop increased the ability of the libraries and associations in the region to work together to promote the role of libraries in society in ensuring an informed citizenry. The workshop assisted participation by local and national librarians in regional efforts, and built a sustainable model for other regional and national efforts.

The following goals were established for the workshop:

1. Encourage and facilitate continued cooperation among the library associations in the South Caucasus;
   
2. Assist the regional and national associations promote the role of libraries in society to ensure an informed citizenry;
   
3. Develop a method of sustainability of the regional, national, and international cooperative efforts;
   
4. Design a workshop model that can be used with library associations and libraries in other emerging democracies.

A meeting was held between ALA and AMBAC (Mexican Library Association) at the Guadalajara Book Fair to discuss additional ways of cooperation between the two associations.

All these initiatives related to international librarianship and international relations policy prompted the IRC Chair to create a subcommittee to develop an International Relations Toolkit to serve as a blueprint for such endeavors.

The goal of the International Relations Toolkit is:

1. To assist IRC and ALA, ALA divisional IRCs and ALA ethnic caucuses in developing consistent processes and procedures for cooperation with international associations.

The objectives of the International Relations Toolkit are:

1. To provide tips and guidance for developing international workshops, conferences, protocols, and cooperation agreements;
   
2. To provide guidance regarding the translation of ALA publications and documents;
   
3. To provide guidance related to the accreditation of international library schools.

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Checklists/guidelines:

1. International Protocols

During 2001, the ALA International Relations Committee and its Subcommittee on Latin America and the Caribbean held various discussions about Cuba at the request of ALA members and others. These discussions concerned the ALA's relationship to libraries and librarians of Cuba, and how the ALA could best use its resources to strengthen the role of libraries in Cuba and to further the library profession.

As a result of the dialogue between ALA (American Library Association) and ASCUBI (Asociación Cubana de Bibliotecarios), a protocol of cooperation between the two associations was adopted by the ALA International Relations Committee on June 19, 2001, adopted by the Executive Committee of ASCUBI on July 20, 2001, and signed at the 67th IFLA Council and General Conference, in Boston, Massachusetts on August 24, 2001.

A copy of the protocol can be found at: Protocol of Cooperation Between ALA and ASCUBI

and in Appendix A of this document.

The following guidelines are based on the protocol document signed by ALA and ASCUBI:

• Convene a meeting(s) between the associations to include the Presidents and delegates of both associations. ALA delegation should include members of the Executive Board, IRO and IRC;
  
• Exchange information about the associations;
  
• Discuss cooperation opportunities between the associations;
  
• Develop and agree on list of priorities for the cooperative initiatives. These will then be summarized on the protocol document;
  
• Prepare summary(ies) of the meeting(s). Follow-up on points discussed. Persons responsible: IRO Director and IRC Chair;
  
• Prepare draft document and submit it to the respective associations for review (the International Relations Committee is responsible for the reviewing and adoption of the document before presenting it to the ALA Council);
  
• Submit final document to the respective associations to be approved and adopted;
  
• Prepare signing of the document by the Presidents of the associations;
  
• Choose the place/occasion for the signing of the agreement.
  

TIMELINE

Document(s) can be submitted to IRC for review and adoption at Midwinter or ALA National Conference.

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2. Conferences and Workshops

Based on the Second China-U.S. Conference on Libraries (August 2001) and Strengthening Library Associations in the South Caucasus: a Regional Workshop (May 2001), which were efforts by both American librarians and their counterparts from other countries, who were all members of their respective library associations.

For conferences, pre-conferences, seminars, institutes, programs, and workshops to be successfully held many factors must be present.

These include:

• careful planning;
  
• skillful use of experienced people;
  
• sufficient funding;
  
• cooperation by the various participants;
  
• support of their respective organizations; and
  
• adequate period of time in which to accomplish the event.

1. Initial idea

Any individual or group may originate the initial idea for an event.

2. Form a planning group and sub-groups

• Designate a committee chair as leader for the planning group;
  
• Call for volunteer planners;
  
• Choose among the volunteers those with appropriate experience, and aim for balance among the various concerned institutions (e.g. a national library; a special library concerned with the geographic or subject matter area; library school faculty; library association officers; member of a governmental group concerned with libraries, etc.);
  
• Hold first meeting at an association conference;
  
• Decide on sub-group composition, e.g., equipment, funding publicity;
  
• Obtain consent of larger sponsoring organization, if needed;
  
• Seek co-sponsors.

3. Development of event subject (s)/them(s)

• Hold a planner’s brainstorming session to decide upon basic subjects/themes of event;
  
• Draft format for the event (e.g. plenary sessions, individual paper presentation, questions and answer sessions, breakout sessions, panel discussion format, site visits, length of presentations);
  
• Develop a draft list of possible speakers;
  
• Prepare a call for papers to be published in electronic discussion lists, professional publications, and association web sites;
  
• Consult with representatives of the audience groups and the possible speakers by e-mail etc.

4. Place and size of event

• Coordinate with a larger conference or develop as a pre-conference;
  
• Plan as a separate event at a time convenient for the expected audience as well as when the speakers are available;
  
• Consider size of audience in terms of location, theme of event, appropriate size for the method of presentation.

5. Equipment sub-group

• Consider number, size, and arrangement of rooms;
  
• Specify furniture, electronic equipment needs;
  
• Prepare handouts of the sessions and have them available for participants;
  
• Refreshments (optional);
  
• Develop time line;
  
• Develop cost estimates;
  
• Contact larger conference planners (or local agency if separate event) as to what is available and the costs.

6. Funding sub-group

• Prepare a draft budget depending on the format, length, number of speakers, audience size, equipment;
  
• Consider funding sources (library associations, vendors, foundations);
  
• Share budget draft with planners and consider their comments about needs;
  
• See also the Toolkit section on Funding.

7. Publicity sub-group

• Determine where to post call for papers, dates involved for abstract submission and final paper due date;
  
• Write call for papers;
  
• Post call for papers and issue a follow up second call;
  
• Route abstracts to Speaker Selection sub-group.

8. Speaker selection sub-group

• Decide on process for choosing (rating system, dates, notification);
  
• Choose among abstracts (using e-mail or conference call to confer with other sub group members);
  
• Notify winners;
  
• Coach speakers where necessary during writing process to meet deadlines, be within time limits for oral presentation and keep to subject;
  
• Assist with editing of abstracts, speeches, if appropriate;
  
• Select session moderators.

9. Registration of audience sub-group

• Develop time line;
  
• Promote/require advance registration if numbers and space requirements are limited or restricted;
  
• Create registration form;
  
• Determine payment method(s);
  
• Determine publicity requirements.

10. Mid-term follow up

• Using time line dates, have a meeting for sub groups to report progress. May use conference call or e-mail as appropriate and adjust plans as needed;
  
• Follow up with speakers with a one week before due date reminder message;
  
• Check local arrangements, e.g., location, equipment, materials;
  
• Determine who will handle on-site registration and preparation of materials in final format to hand out;
  
• Develop evaluation form;
  
• Determine how refreshments will be handled if provided;
  
• Mid term check on funding.

11. Just before the event

• Print materials, organize for distribution and delivery to site;
  
• Make a final equipment check;
  
• Check with speakers: does someone need to be met? Do all know how to reach event location (map or written instructions)?;
  
• Check if there are any special needs;
  
• Check for the need of additional volunteers on site for any part of the program;
  
• Have check ready for speakers, if applicable.

12. At the event and after

• Have moderator, facilitators, etc. chosen and prepared;
  
• Be certain to mention importance of evaluation forms;
  
• Thank sponsors at event and later in writing;
  
• Prepare final budget accounting and report on event as a whole and present to appropriate organization.

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3. Cooperation Agreements

Based on the Cooperative Agreement between the American Library Association (ALA) and the Asociacion Mexicana de Bibliotecarios (AMBAC). ALA and AMBAC held their first meeting at the 2001 Guadalajara Book Fair.

• Convene a meeting(s) between the associations to include the Presidents and delegates of both associations. ALA delegation should include members of the Executive Board, IRO and IRC;
  
• Exchange information about the associations;
  
• Discuss cooperation opportunities between the associations;
  
• Develop a list of priorities for the cooperative initiatives;
  
• Prepare a summary of the meeting and follow-up points discussed. Persons responsible: IRO Director and IRC Chair;
  
• Prepare a draft document and submit it to respective associations for review (the International Relations Committee is responsible for the reviewing and adoption of the document before presenting it to ALA Council);
  
• Submit final document to respective associations to be approved and adopted;
  
• Prepare final document for signing by the Presidents of the associations;
  
• Choose the place/occasion for the signing of the agreement.

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4. Accreditation of International Library Schools

Accreditation of International Library Schools by ALA should follow the same process and guidelines as prescribed by the ALA Office of Accreditation. Information on the standards for accreditation can be found at the ALA Office for Accreditation page.

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5. Translation of ALA Publications

Guidelines for Translations of ALA Materials

This document is intended to serve as a guide for those wishing to assist non-US library associations obtain permission for translating materials published or produced by the ALA and its divisions, units, committees, etc. Complete information from the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions regarding translations is currently undergoing revision and will be available at a future date. Once completed, this document should serve as the standard for translation information. Trademark use policy for the Campaign for America’s Library@yourlibrary campaign is available at the @ your library page.

General Information

• All requests for permission to translate ALA materials should be made to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions, the central clearinghouse for publications from all ALA units. The Office will work with the originating ALA Division, Unit, Committee, etc., in reviewing the request. Requests may include permissions for both print and digital materials.
• Translation requests for the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules only will be transferred to its co-publishers and should be made directly to them.
• The ALA IRC (especially its Area Subcommittees) and other ALA international relations subcommittees (e.g., ACRL IRC, LITA IRC) may wish to assist non-US library associations in responding to ALA’s criteria for translation which include:
• established need;
  
• competence of the translator (language of translation and English);
  
• translator knowledge of librarianship;
  
• verification that the translation will be readable by speakers of the language in other countries (if applicable);
  
• ability of the publisher to make translation available at a reasonable (or no) price;
  
• Library associations and institutions of higher learning may be assessed fees or royalties as specified by the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions.

Tips for facilitating successful translations

• Identify and use (if possible) a professional translator who is familiar with the field of library and information science. English, as the translator’s first or second language is generally helpful.
  
• Create a peer review committee within the appropriate ALA unit/subcommittee and with appropriate language skills to review translation drafts. Designate one member of the peer review committee as the principle contact for the translator.
  
• Use an established library glossary for the wording of key terms and expressions in the translation. If none exists, attempt to reach some consensus with practitioners in the field. Make sure the translator uses the glossary or agreed-upon terminology.
  
• If there are graphics, try to match non-English text to the original layout, to simplify design/lay-out issues.
  
• Have a proof-reader other than the translator proof the document.
  
• Assist non-US library association with ALA permissions/rights forms and arrangements.
  
• Insure that the translation will be available and appropriate for other countries/regions with the same language.
  
• Consider posting the translation on an appropriate ALA Webpage for added international access.
  
• Insure that a final copy is available to the ALA for dissemination in the US and to others wishing access.
  
• Announce the translation to appropriate ALA and other library associations to promote use and awareness.
  
• Assist/advise with other outreach efforts on part of translating association.

RESOURCES:

ALA Rights and Permissions Request Form. Use for requests for permissions to use material published or produced by the ALA.

Existing translations may be available on the ALA Website. Examples include: Campaign for America’s Libraries

ALA-RUSA. BRASS. Business Terms Translations. http://www.ala.org/rusa/brass/boettchr.html

ALA-ACRL. Information Literacy Competency Standards Translations
English  Spanish and Greek

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6. Book Donations

The following are points to consider by both recipient and donor organizations in selecting materials for a book donation project and delivering them to their destination.

While the term "book" is used in this document, books may not be the only materials needed and donated. Non-book materials may be desired and available, including musical scores, microforms, and electronic items.

Recipients

Recipients are defined as libraries of some sort, whether public, academic, or special. For such projects to be completed successfully both recipients and donors must cooperate actively in the various phases of the project.

Request for materials

Recipients should request materials in as much specific detail as possible. Define type/format: books, serials, microforms, scores, electronic materials. Specify preference for print only, electronic only or both. If electronic is desired, state the library’s system requirements. Define subject matter, age or grade/academic level, language(s) acceptable, limitations (e.g. metric for math books); number of copies per title; use for classroom; what editions are acceptable (e.g. encyclopedias, textbooks, atlases).

Donor identification by recipient

• Consult own faculty, librarians, and students, especially those who may be studying abroad or involved in a scholarly exchange now or in the very recent past.
  
• Solicit universities and scholars in the United States.
  
• Use electronic means, such as electronic discussion lists where they exist, as well as normal postal correspondence.
  
• If a particular person to address is unknown at first, address the library director who should be able to re-direct letters to the appropriate person or group.
  
• Identify a clearinghouse organization by consulting newsletters and other publications of professional associations and societies.
  
• Keep copies of all correspondence and send follow up messages.
  
• Use full name, title, and address in letters not just on envelopes

Donors

• Match materials to recipients. Consult requests from recipient. Seek specific titles requested. For materials in subject areas consult bibliographers and librarians for suitable titles.
  
• Provide materials meeting these requirements:
  
• In good physical condition (not torn, marked-up, in need of re-binding)
  
• High quality titles
  
• Classics as well as recent titles
  
• Appropriate (metric measurements for math and cookbooks, not American measurements; current English for English as a Second Language titles)
  
• Avoid titles that are derogatory, ethnocentric, evangelistic of a particular religion, or express colonial attitudes.
  
• Be sensitive to the cultural, moral, ethical, and religious values of the recipient.

• Have a content selection policy. Develop this policy in consultation with the recipient’s expressed needs.
  
• Consider the entire process: selection, collection, funding, transportation, end use.
  
• Develop an evaluation form or questionnaire so that the recipient may provide feedback.
  
• Consider providing funds to purchase locally produced titles or those available at a regional book fair. This can stimulate local and regional publishers’ efforts.
  
• Consider subsidizing print runs by local publishers.

Transportation

• Funds are needed. Identify sources and amounts needed.
  
• Seek donations from local businesses and from multinationals for purchasing books and for the packing and transportation costs. In kind donations as well as money are acceptable, such as packing materials.
  
• Customs duties will be involved. Consult recipient about the forms and costs.
  
• Local transport from the entry point will be needed. Consult the recipient. Will a distribution agent be needed? What can the recipient provide for local transport and distribution?
  
• Consult the recipient country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. and the U.S. Embassy in the recipient country for suggestions and requirements relative to customs duties, size and weight restrictions on packages, etc.
  
• In the U.S. donors will need: a place to assemble and review the materials; space for packing and the appropriate materials; volunteers to assemble, review and pack the materials; a means of transport to postal facility.
  
• Provide the recipient with a book list in advance. Unwanted titles may be eliminated before being sent. When received, the list serves as a checklist and provides an estimate of size of shipment to recipient.

Communication

• Give recipient notice as far in advance as possible of staff changes on donor side. Specify when contact person may be on vacation or leave. Specify alternate contact person. If primary contact person is changing jobs, provide name and contact information for replacement person.
  
• Follow up with evaluation form or questionnaire to recipient.
  
• Improve process based on such feedback for future donations to this or other recipients.
  
• Solicit feedback from donor participants as well.
  
• Document process at all stages for future usage.
  

Selected resources

FCIL newsletter, February 1997. Bibliography on book donation by Margaret Aycock.

http://www.aallnet.org/sis/fcilsis/112books.html

Directory of Book Donation Programs, compiled by Gretchen Walsh and the Book Famine Task Force, African Studies Association, 1992. Updated and revised by Deborah M. LaFond; index by Marieta Harper. Africana Librarians Council, Book Donation Committee, November 2000.

Subsection: Book Donations: Introduction and Tips by Gretchen Walsh. Includes web site lists, selected organizations (annotated), bibliography, index.

http://www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/bookdonation.htm

Sabre Foundation, Inc., Cambridge, Mass. Press releases, links page

http://www.sabre.org

Books for Africa

http://www.booksforafrica.org/booksdonation.html

Center for the Study of Democracy

http://www.csd.bg/book/index_books_base.html

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7. Funding

Checklist for Funding Cooperative Events with International Library Associations

Acquiring adequate funding for any event depends upon careful planning, a clear statement of the goals for the event, and an effective organizational structure to coordinate fund raising efforts with the overall planning for the event. Events may take many forms—conferences, workshops, courses, book fairs, teleconferences. Likewise, the subject matter of events can vary widely. Successful fund raising depends largely upon identifying potential funding sources which may have some relationship or interest in the subject matter and goals for a particular event. Continued success in funding international events also depends upon responsible stewardship of funds, full accounting of expenditures, and reports of results achieved.

Following are a few suggestions to consider when seeking funding supporting a cooperative venture with one or more international library associations.

1. First, and foremost, the purpose and goals of the event must be clearly stated. What is hoped to be achieved? Why is this event worthy of funding?
2. Create an organizational structure for fund raising. Creating a funding sub-committee, reporting to the main planning group is one way of doing this. The chairperson of the funding group should be a member of the planning group to facilitate communication.
3. Develop a comprehensive budget for the event, including all anticipated costs, with a margin for unexpected expenses.
4. Determine what each of the partners participating in the event will contribute, including cash and in-kind contributions of various sorts (e.g., lodging, food, event site).
5. Determine whether or not individual participants will pay to participate in the event in consultation with planning group,. If so, then prepare estimate of revenue to be acquired from individuals, based on the cost to each and the estimated number of individual participants.
6. Determine amount of funds remaining to be raised by comparing projected budget with anticipated contributions from each of the partners and individual attendees.
7. Identify potential sources for additional funding and develop plan to pursue funding. Potential sources may include professional associations, governmental agencies (U. S. and foreign), corporations, foundations, and individuals
8. Create time line for acquiring funds, establishing a final date to be used in determining whether or not an event can be funded adequately. Failure to achieve adequate funding can result either in adjusting the projected budget downwards—that is, eliminating some proposed items of expenditure—or, in a worse case scenario, cancellation of the event.
9. Maintain clear communications between the overall planning group and fund raising group at all times.
10. Maintain accurate records of funds received, expenditures, and final balance in account (s).
11. Provide full and accurate final report to the event planning group and all funding sources.

Resources:

Library Fund Raising; a selected annotated bibliography ALA Library Fact Sheet Number 24

Selected List of International Information Organizations 

Valuable links:

Foundations and Organizations Supporting International Exchanges and/or Travel

International Opportunities and Funding Sources for Librarians

Selected World Wide Web Sites for Library Grants and Fund-Raising

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8. Disaster Relief

In Spring 1999 the ALA Executive Board “decided to take an active role in encouraging members to support the work of organizations that specialize in [disaster relief] (EBD#12.33)”. This Tool Kit serves as a guide to encouraging that type of involvement in the case of international disasters. It identifies steps that may be taken within the organization and national and international resources for becoming involved in disaster relief for libraries, documentation centers and other centers for literacy and learning. Disaster relief itself may take many forms, including provision of resources and materials, provision of expertise, cash donations and increasing public awareness so that others may become involved.

Following are a few suggestions to consider when identifying disaster relief needs and appropriate responses. Please note that some of the recommendations included below are borrowed from the work of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the International Committee of the Blue Shield.

1. “Don’t stereotype disasters.” Locate and document information about actual or likely damage to libraries, documentation and information centers, and collections. “Effects of disasters may differ according to the type of disaster, the economic and political situation in the affected country, and the degree to which its infrastructure is developed.” (PAHO, p. 5) [information sources are listed below]
2. Consult with the affected country’s library association or representatives about recovery needs, when possible.
3. An immediate response is not always necessary. It is better to wait until information is available and an accurate needs assessment regarding recovery may be made, rather than rushing in with little information or incorrect assumptions.
4. “The effects of a disaster last a long time. Disaster-affected countries deplete much of their financial and material resources in the immediate post-impact phase. Successful relief program gear their operations to the fact that international interest wanes as needs and shortages become more pressing.” (PAHO, p. 15). Relief efforts that focus on the long-term rebuilding them, can be quite effective.
5. Based on the available documentation and information from individuals on-site, identify expertise and/or resources that meet the emergency situation as well as the recovery and reconstruction phases.
6. Keep in mind that disaster relief assistance should complement, not duplicate, measures applied by the affected country. (PAHO, p. 6)
7. Identify agencies involved in relief work in the country/region for distribution of the identified resources. Channel cash or credit through well-established NGOs (PAHO, p. 10)
8. When donating tangible items, “ensure that an agency is identified in advance that will take responsibilities for delivering items to the affected population. Unconsigned relief items should not be sent to a disaster-affected country.” (PAHO, p. 10)
9. In addition to a “direct aid response” consider creating a public awareness campaign that can alert colleagues in the field regarding the situation and its needs. Include links to reliable information sources, statement of needs, and sources for donations.

Resources

The International Committee of the Blue Shield is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1996 by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the International Council on Archives (ICA), the International Council on Museums (ICOM) and the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Its mission is to “collect and disseminate information, and to co-ordinate action in emergency situations ” ranging from armed conflict to natural disasters that affect cultural heritage. Libraries and their collections are included in the scope of the Blue Shield Committee’s responsibilities.

The Area SubCommittees of the ALA International Relations Committee are a good starting point for initiating the gathering and evaluation of information. Area Subcommittees represent all countries in the world.

ALA International Relations Office

Valuable links:

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) 1999. Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Situations: A Guide for Effective Aid

Disaster Resources: A Selected Annotated Bibliography
Fact Sheet 10

IFLA. Disaster Relief Bibliography
http://www.ifla.org/v1/6/dswmedia/en/bib_sini.htm

ReliefWeb http://www.reliefweb.int – project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and a superb source of information on natural disasters and complex emergencies. Provides info on crisis, relief efforts, a superb library. Updated every half hour.

DisasterRelief: Worlwide Disaster Aid and Information via the Internet http://www.disasterrelief.org

AlertNet (Reuters Foundation) http://www.alertnet.org

International Committee of the Blue Shield – Created in 1996 by the following NGOs: ICA (International Council on Archives), ICOM (International Council of Museums), ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), and IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions). Its mission is to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.

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Appendix A

Protocol of Cooperation between the American Library Association (ALA) and La Asociación Cubana de Bibliotecarios (ASCUBI)

The American Library Association International Relations Committee and the Executive Board of ASCUBI (La Asociación Cubana de Bibliotecarios) agree to the following plan for cooperation between the associations.

1. Exchange of professional information
a) The participants agree to exchange (paper and electronic) professional journals.
b) The participants agree to promote and facilitate professional exchanges for their members to visit each other's countries.
c) The participants agree to publish articles about the other's libraries and librarians in their professional journals.
c) The participants agree to publish articles about the other's libraries and librarians in their professional journals.
d) The participants agree to assist in securing the right to translate and distribute professional materials in the other's language.

2. Continuing professional education
a) The participants agree to seek funding to hold a joint conference on library education in cooperation with ALISE, possibly as soon as 2002.
b) The participants agree to seek funding to hold a joint conference on public libraries in cooperation with PLA as soon as possible.
c) The participants agree to explore future educational programs for technology, preservation, children's services, and library buildings in cooperation with IFLA.

3. Exchange/gift of publications
a) The participants agree to identify more ways, beyond the few scholarly programs already in place, to exchange and donate publications on all topics for all ages in English and Spanish.
b) The participants agree to promote the exchange of publications by libraries.

4. Exhibits
a) The participants agree to share information about each association at the other's annual meeting through exhibits, poster sessions and programs
b) The participants agree to share exhibits for use in each other's libraries.

Adopted by the ALA International Relations Committee, June 19, 2001 Adopted by the Executive Committee of ASCUBI, July 20, 2001
Signed at the 67th IFLA Council and General Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, August 24, 2001
John W. Berry, President, The American Library Association
Marta Terry Gonzalez, President, ASCUBI (La Asociación Cubana de Bibliotecarios)

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APPENDIX B

Draft Cooperative Agreement

Because of the proximity of the library communities of Mexico and the United States from a geographical, linguistic and professional standpoint, it has made sense for the major library associations of the two countries to cooperate and collaborate from time to time as initiatives of either association would dictate. Recently not only has there been an increasingly close relationship between our two countries but there has also been a greater convergence of the interests of the two associations. The time has come to formalize this informal cooperation, and to make routine our collaboration on professional issues.

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Asociación Mexicana de Bibliotecarios, A. C. (AMBAC) re-affirm their commitment to cooperate, to collaborate, and to coordinate activities in furtherance of the library and information profession in the United States and in Mexico on this _________ day of _________, 2002. Cooperative activities will include exchange of professional information, joint continuing professional education, sharing of exhibits, attendance of delegations at each other’s meetings, translation of professional materials to and from English and Spanish, sharing of information about our associations, and development of joint programs. Specific activities will be articulated in a series of Action Plans to be developed jointly by the two Associations.

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